Sunday, 20 June 2010

In my experience as a teacher, pastor, foster parent, and parent I realize that many have not had a dad to father them through life – even among those who had fathers there are many who felt they missed out on something important in their relationship.

I was privileged to grow up with a great Father. Even though I came from a family of seven siblings, dad regularly took time to talk to me, teach me about life, and give me fatherly advice. I fondly remember Saturday morning chats during my teenage and college years. It really gave me a great start in life.

A dad’s guidance of right from wrong, faith in God, the importance of family, is so important to the success of a child’s life. Being a Father is so much more than simply having a child with someone. If every dad really thought about the legacy he would leave behind, his life would be lived quite differently.

I found that the word Father: ‘pater’ (in Greek) is from a root word signifying: "A Nourisher, Protector, and Upholder." The word father is not merely a title but a function.

Notice that the above verse from Proverbs defines who is a good man; it does not focus on the title or the fact that he is a biological father. Instead, the emphasis is on the inheritance. I believe the inheritance mentioned in this verse isn’t about money, I believe it’s talking about the legacy a man leaves in the lives of his children and others he has the privilege of affecting.

When you look back at your childhood, teen years and young adulthood, how do you feel about the legacy your father seeded into your life? If your father was less than ideal, if he was overstressed, worked too much or spent little time with you – do you feel a sense of loss? It’s perfectly normal.

What if your father was abusive, physically or emotionally? If he belittled you and caused you to doubt your value, you probably feel more than loss. There’s a space in your heart that never knew the nourishment and protection you were supposed to receive. It isn’t easy walking through life with a gaping void where a father’s love was meant to dwell.

Here’s some good news. The loving support you missed early on has certainly influenced your life and caused you pain – but there is a way to fill the void. There is a Father who longs to love and protect you – even now as an adult – even now as you may be a mother or father yourself.

Author Resource:- Steve Scheer is a pastor and life coach. Husband and father to five grown children, he has a heart to reach those who need someone to talk to. Visit him at his blog, ADadToTalkTo.com

I am so glad to have the perfect and best earthly dad in the world and I can never thank our Heavenly Father enough for letting me be his daughter. I wished my dad know that I love him dearly and prayed that he will continue to watch over us with mum from up there...Happy Father's day, Dad!

(*Image taken from http://www.wondercliparts.com/holidays/fathers_day/cliparts-details.html?id=702)

12 comments:

Many people become better parents because of their painful past. My manager was one of them. He didn't have a dad growing up because his parents divorced when he was a toddler. Now that he's a father, he made a point of being their for his kids. I believe he never missed any of his kids sports games or school performance. I also have a wonderful father who worked very hard to provide for his family.

I have a great earthly father...but he is not perfect...I am so thankful though...that my Heavenly father knew and saw the areas lacking and provided for me through other men throughout my life...to advise and guide when my dad was too close to the situation to be objective.

You're still young and it's too early to judge you about your not-so-easy job with motherhood. I tell you, that at 64, and with 2 daughters still single at 29 and 31, I'm still doing what you are doing. And there's nothing to take me away on-the-job. Brace up and find this out day by day! Happy SITS Wednesday!